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BORN
1949
DIED
2022
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Pete Reiniger Obituary
Pete Reiniger
Pete Reiniger of Hyattsville, Maryland, passed away on May 13, 2022. He was born in 1949 in Troy, New York, to Ruth Connor and Ernest Reiniger.
Pete was the devoted husband of Arlene (Liebenau) Reiniger, the father of Eliot Reiniger, and brother of Constance (Reiniger) Kennedy; brother-in-law of Betsi and Harold Closter, Jonathan Liebenau and Gül Berna ?zcan, and Janet Liebenau; and uncle to Tom and Beth Kennedy, Matthew Closter and Julie Berger, and Avram and Ada Liebenau.
He graduated from SUNY Potsdam, majoring in theater arts, leading to a long and diverse career with the National Council for the Traditional Arts, as technical director and sound engineer for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and as sound production supervisor for Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, the music label for which he received four Grammy Awards. He was known and admired by traditional musicians around the world.
Pete loved sailing, played trumpet for the University of Maryland Community Band, and was an active volunteer with the PG Amateur Radio Emergency Service.
A private interment will be held, followed by a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.The family requests that memorial donations be made to MusiCares (MusiCares.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Pete Reiniger
Connie Kennedt
May 11, 2024
Pete was a wonderful brother who accomplished so much in his lifetime. Truly miss him. I know he is in a better place but it does not relieve the ache in my heart. Miss you Connie
Edith and Ed Rice
May 21, 2023
You are missed, Pete---always. That empty space in our small universe that is shaped like you... Love to Arlene and Eliot and to you wherever you land.
Edith and Ed Rice
August 3, 2022
I just read about Peter's passing. My heart breaks for the loss of our friendship, even long distance and aches for his family--Arlene, Eliot. I am so sorry that our world has lost the grace, humor, talent, humanity and spirit that was Peter. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Holly & Dennis Blackledge
June 5, 2022
Dear Arlene, Eliot and family...our love and thoughts are with you. Pete will always be held fondly in the hearts of so, so many people.
We consider ourselves lucky that our paths crossed in many ways from the Smithsonian Folklife Festivals to NCTA festivals around the country to NEA Heritage Awards to recordings in Pete's studio...and, of course, Washington Nationals baseball chats - anytime, anywhere.
With our love,
Holly & Dennis Blackledge
Ferddy Calderon
May 25, 2022
Pete was a gem to the DC Metropolitan area for music professionals, especially audio engineers. He was a very humble person; always willing to teach the younger generation of music creators how to navigate this difficult industry why he excelled in. His wife Arlene was always by his side during events with the Recording Academy DC Chapter and you can tell the love they had for each other was real love. I will miss Pete and I am grateful I got the opportunity to tell Pete while he was with us how much his mentorship meant to me. Long live Pete Reiniger. God Bless you amigo.
Chuck Dorcey, AB3NA
May 24, 2022
Pete's voice on ham radio was as smooth and polished as any other professional, and he was always available to support group service projects.
Cliff Bedore
May 23, 2022
I moved from the DC area a few years ago but remember Pete well from the Prince George's ARES group. He was always ready to help in any way he could. I also remember his being nominated for a Grammy and cheering for him to win. It was always good to chat with him at the meetings because of his many interests. I'll miss him a lot
Carm Gallo Caliguire
May 21, 2022
Arlene, Eliot and everyone who loved Pete, I am so sorry for your loss of a truly great, kind, funny, loving and talented person I called my friend. So glad I spent some time with him and Arlene at the LHS class of `67 50th reunion. Cherish your wonderful memories and he will live on in your hearts. Rest In Peace, Pete...until we meet again.
Norma Cantú
May 20, 2022
Arlene and all who loved Pete, so very sorry for your loss...may his path be full of light...
Von Vargas
May 18, 2022
My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the Reiniger family. May the Lord be a present help during this time.
Pete was kind and extremely generous with his wisdom and expertise. A decorated class act who many of us learned from consistently. Sincere and dependable. He loved nature. Pete will truly be missed.
Jake V
May 17, 2022
Pete was a wonderful guy who consistently poured into the Audio community of Washington DC. He will be sorely missed.
Connie Kennedy
May 17, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Love your sister
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